12 Top Home Security Tips

Don’t underestimate the expertise of the modern burglar. As security companies come up with more sophisticated alarm systems the burglar comes up with newer methods to defeat these latest systems.

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist burglars and it is quite straightforward to prevent most burglaries occurring, just using a little common sense.

 

  1. Always lock the doors when you leave your house. By leaving them open you’re making it easy for the burglar to walk straight into your house or climb through a window. This may sound obvious but it’s surprising how many people fail to do this.
  2. Don’t keep a spare key in the flower pot outside your front door or under the door mat – thieves look there too you know!
  3. In the evening, when it’s dark, give the impression that there is someone at home. It is a good idea to use timer devices to control when your lights come on and off. You can even leave a hi-fi switched on.
  4. If you have an burglar alarm system already installed, make sure all alarm wiring is concealed well out of the way. A burglar will look for ways to disable your alarm system and any loose, hanging wire will attract the burglar to put your system out of action.
  5. If you lose your keys, or they have been stolen then change all locks in the property as soon as possible.
  6. When moving into a brand new property you don’t know who has a set of duplicate keys. There would have been a lot of tradesmen in and out of your property whilst it was being built so again, get all locks changed.
  7. If you are planning a vacation then tell a few trusted friends and neighbors you wont be around for a while and ask them to keep an eye on your home.
  8. Make sure all outbuildings and sheds in your yard are securely locked up. A burglar will break into these to obtain tools and ladders to break into your home.
  9. If you cant afford an alarm system then at the very least install exterior security lighting. An intruder does not want to be seen breaking into a property so this will immediately put them off.
  10. Check the condition of all doors and window frames. If they are in poor repair then it will be far easier to break into your home. Consider replacing them if necessary.
  11. If you have overgrown bushes or shrubs close to your house then cut these right back. Otherwise they will provide great camouflage for the burglar.
  12. Finally, get into the mind of the burglar. If you lost your key, how would you break into your home?